Needles are used for a variety of reasons in health care, such as administering a shot or draining fluid. But needles can actually be used as a pain management treatment for a variety of conditions throughout the body.
Dry needling is a common physical therapy technique that uses needles to alleviate pain and medical condition symptoms that are interfering with your quality of life. At REPAIR SI, our physical therapists are knowledgeable and experienced in this pain management technique that has increased in popularity over the years..
The Basics of Dry Needling
Dry needling involves the use of thin, hollow needles that are inserted directly into the muscles of the affected area. The needle will cause the muscle to spasm and help release the tension that’s causing your pain and reduced range of motion.
It’s often confused with acupuncture, but the most notable difference between the two is that dry needling stems from Western medicine while acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine.
Dry needling is used to treat a variety of medical conditions that can cause pain as well as reduced flexibility and mobility. It can help alleviate the symptoms of:
- Neck pain.
- Back pain.
- Elbow pain.
- Pelvic pain.
- Repetitive strain injuries.
- Tendinitis.
- Disc problems.
- Joint problems.
- TMJ disorder.
- Headaches.
Dry needling offers a variety of benefits, including:
- Reduced pain and stiffness.
- Increased muscle mobility.
- Accelerated recovery process.
- Improved blood circulation.
Dry Needling Techniques
Dry needling isn’t a one-size-fits-all pain management option. There are a variety of dry needling techniques that a physical therapist can administer. Each one caters to different causes of your pain to ensure that it’s targeting the correct problems and areas.
Here are three common dry needling techniques:
- Trigger point dry needling — A trigger point is an especially sensitive point in the muscle that can cause referred pain, which means that it feels like it’s coming from a place other than its source. This technique targets the trigger point to stimulate the muscle and alleviate the pain.
- Deep dry needling — If you have a spine-related condition that’s causing your pain, your physical therapist may recommend deep dry needling. This involves needles that are longer than the standard as a way to reach the area that’s causing your pain and related symptoms.
- Superficial dry needling — This dry needling is the opposite of deep dry needling. It often focuses on trigger points in the myofascial tissue, which connects your bones, muscles and joints. The needle is inserted just under the skin and stops before reaching the muscle, causing it to reflex.
REPAIR SI Can Help Reduce Your Pain and Increase Mobility With Dry Needling Techniques
Dry needling is a common pain management technique that can help alleviate your aches to increase your flexibility and range of motion. At REPAIR SI, we will determine the best dry needling technique for your symptoms so that you can get back to your normal activities.
When you’re ready to explore the benefits of dry needling techniques, then be sure to contact our team today for more information or schedule an initial appointment.